Applicant Processing

McKinney Police Department Applicant Processing

On Examination Day

On the day of the written examination, please wear appropriate attire and arrive before check-in time. Late check-ins are not acceptable. The test location and time will be provided by email before the test.

After the Written Exam

After the written exam, you will be told whether you passed or failed. If you fail, there will be no further processing, but you may retest after a six-month waiting period. If you pass the test, you will have a break and then return for the physical fitness test the same day. Standards for this test are listed on the website. You must wear athletic shoes and appropriate workout attire. After successful completion of the written and physical tests you will turn in your Personal History Statement.

Next Steps

After a background investigator reviews your personal history, you will go through the following steps below. The order is determined by needs and schedules. You will only move to the next step if you pass the previous step.

Preliminary PHS review and interview

Thorough background investigation

Oral Review Board

Interview with the Chief

Polygraph examination

Psychological examination

Medical exam

If You Are Not a Certified Texas Peace Officer

If you are not a TCOLE- certified peace officer in the State of Texas, you will attend the basic training course at a designated police academy. The academy is approximately 20 weeks long. Your tuition and supplies are paid for and you will also receive a salary. When you complete the academy, you will receive approximately six weeks of in-house academy training. This training is to prepare you to use McKinney's paperwork, computer system, radio techniques, policies and procedures. Upon completion of the in-house academy, you will receive 13 weeks of field training.

If You Are a Certified Texas Peace Officer

If you hold a basic certification from TCOLE, you will attend the in-house academy for approximately six weeks. You will also receive the necessary time for successful field training.

If You Are Certified In Another State

Applicants who have received basic training from an academy in a state other than Texas will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for eligibility to challenge the state exam or attend the police academy.